‘Ulu means breadfruit in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi - the Hawaiian language. Within the okina (ʻ), the word ulu means “to grow”. ‘Ulu fruit is one of 26 vital canoe plants brought to Hawai‘i by Polynesian voyagers over a millennia ago. Breadfruit is a tropical perennial tree that produces a starchy, nutritious fruit with a bread-like texture when cooked. It can be savory or sweet depending on the ripeness of the fruit. It is an important Polynesian staple crop, with one tree producing hundreds of pounds of food annually. Breadfruit is an energy-rich food and a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and zinc. This nutritious fruit also provides B vitamins, niacin, thiamine, and Vitamin C. Some varieties have high levels of provitamin A carotenoids, nutrients essential to good health. Breadfruit is gluten free and its protein is complete, providing all of the essential amino acids necessary for human health.
Old Onomea Hānai Farm was lucky enough to inherit ~15 breadfruit trees of many varieties that Donn Carlsmith planted in partnership with the Breadfruit Institute at The National Tropical Botanical Garden years ago. We are learning to harvest the various ‘ulu and share with the community as well as being members of the Hawai’i ‘Ulu Cooperative . We are always experimenting with ‘ulu in the kitchen and our dog and sheep love ‘ulu as well.